Why is it so hard to say good bye? Why did the Silver tongued lawyer have no words to voice? One that can never be silenced in the courtroom, is speechless now. Why is it so hard to say good bye? Because who says good bye to anyone who is still there with them? You're still here just on a higher plain of existence watching over your family that’s why we cannot see you nor touch you: but you're here. You’re on the Elysian Fields, a place with no more pain, sorrow, tears, hatred, war, envy. A place of peace, love, laughter, play, and tranquility. A place of golden rays of sunshine, deep green fields, and rolling hills with a gentle warm breeze. Near blue warm water, and white virgin snow that doesn't freeze. I can still hear you belt out to Mephisto "pick up your leg!" As always, stern yet loving direction you would give to guide your children in the proper direction so that they would be good people, productive in society, and carry themselves with honor and dignity. Time goes by much too quickly. Is time a predator that chases after us that we run from constantly trying, in fear, to elude and evade? Or does one embrace time as a friend and companion, knowing it is there in constant watch always reminding us to enjoy life to the fullest every minute? You lived life as the latter my friend. I can still recall the talks we had on the back porch where you showed me your garden in the back yard, your work stations in the garage. I recall on 9/11 walking for 3 hours from work in downtown Brooklyn to your house after the attack on our country. As we heard the roar of the fighter planes overhead and watched the devastation on television, we shared our concern for lives lost , those missing, and where our country would be going after that day. In my memories of you I will always be "Leon" who knew there was always a place at your table any warm summer day. As much as we talked, we did not talk enough. I will miss those times and wish there were more of them. Even now you teach me something; enjoy as much as you can those around you and do not take anything for granted. Enjoy my Father's house my friend; He has set a place at His table for you. You have been rapped in warmth and love and guided into Heaven by all the souls of loved ones that have gone there before you. Laugh, run, and play with Mephisto, Bell, Shea and, of course, Drax; however my friend, I am sure you can still not get him to take a bone from your hand! With love Delano
